History of Dane County, Wisconsin, Part 70

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899; Western Historical Co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago : Western Historical Company
Number of Pages: 1304

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Signed and sealed in presence of -

J. S. Rowland, S. Humes Porter.

S. T. MASON, [L. a.] JULIA E. MASON, [L. 8.] KINTZING PRITCHETTE, [L. a.]

Know all men by these presents, That we, Stevens T. Mason and Julia E. Mason his wife, and Kintzing Pritchette, all of the city of Detroit, County of Wayne and State of Michigan, by Moses M. Strong, our Attorney in fact, in con- sideration of one dollar received, to our full satisfaction, as well also as in consideration of the benefits and advan- tages derived and to be derived by us iu consequence of the selection of the land hereinafter described as thasite for the capitol of said Territory, have given, granted, dedicated, aliened, remised, released, conveyed, confirmed and forever quit-claimed, and by these presents do give, grant, dedicate, alien, remise, release, convey, confirm and for- ever quit-claim unto the Territory of Wisconsin, the following tract of land in the County of Dane, in said Territory aituate, lying and being in Sections thirteen, fourteen, twenty-three and twenty-four, in Township number seven of Range number nine east of the fourth principal meridian and described as follows, to wit:

Beginning at a post marked " Public Square," in the section line between said Sections fourteen and twenty- three, which stands five hundred and sixty feet west from the cornerof aaid Sections thirteen, fourteen, twenty-three and twenty-four, thence south forty-five degrees east, seven hundred and ninety-two feet to a post in tha section line between said Sections twenty-three and twenty-four, which atands five hundred and sixty feet south from the said corner of said Sections thirteen, fourteen, twenty-three and twenty-four, thence north forty-five degrees east, seven hundred and ninety-two feet to a post in the section line between aaid Sections thirteen and twenty-four, which stands five hundred and sixty feet eaat from the said corner of said Sections thirteen, fourteen, twenty-threa and twenty- four, thence north forty-five degrees west, seven hundred and ninety-two feet to a post in the section lina between

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HISTORY OF DANE COUNTY.

said Sections thirteen and fourteen, which stands five hundred and sixty feet north from the said corner of said Sec- tions thirteen and fourteen, twenty-three and twenty-four, thence south forty-five degrees west, seven hundred and ninety-two feet to the first-mentioned bounds, forming a square plat of ground, the center of which is the said corner of said Sections thirteen, fourteen, twenty-three and twenty-four, supposed to contain fourteen and four-tenths acres, be the same more or less. To have and to hold the aforesaid tract of land unto the said Territory of Wisconsin, until a State Government shall be organized in lieu of the Territorial Government now in existence in said Territory ; and ws do by these presents, give, grant, dedicate, alien, remise, release, convey, confirm and forever quit-claim unto the said State of Wisconsin, or to the said State Government by whatever name the same shall be called, whenever the same shall he organized, the remainder or remainders, reversion or reversions, of the estate, of, in and to the said tract of land, and the same forever to hold from and after the time when the Territorial Government of the said Territory of Wisconsin shall ceass to exist.

And we, the said Stevens T. Mason, Julia E. Mason and Kintzing Pritchette, do hereby further covenant and agree to and with the said Territory of Wisconsin, and to and with the said State of Wisconsin or said State Govern- ment when organized, that we will forever warrant and defend the before granted and dedicated premises, unto the said grantees respectively, against the lawful claims or demands of all persons whatsoever.

In witness whereof, the said Stevens T. Mason Julia E. Mason and Kintzing Pritchette, by their said Attorney, Moses M. Strong, havs hereunto set their hands and affixed their seals at Mineral Point, in the County of Iowa, in the Territory aforesaid, this sixteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-nine.

Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of W. W. Kane, George Beatty.

STEVENS T. MASON, [L. s. ] By M. M. Strong, his Attorney in fact. JULIA E. MASON, [L. 8. ] By M. M. Strong, her Attorney in fact.

KINTZING PRITCHETTE, [L. S.] By M. M. Strong, his Attorney in fact.

"In 1846," says J. G. Knapp, "I was elected to the place of Superintendent of Public Property, and, entering upon the duties, I hired one man to do all the work required, to whom I paid $150 a year. At that time, the park was more than half covered with hazel-bushes and oak grubs. The first were destroyed by mowing; the last were dug up. The wild grass was succeeded by tame grasses, partly by sowing the seed and partly by a spontaneous growth. The trees, then the merest hushes, were trimmed up to about six feet, that being nearly one-half their entire height. In 1847, I contracted with Alexander McBride, at 50 cents a tree, for planting the outside row of maples and elms, he agreeing to warrant their growth."

On the 21st of May, 1866, a contract was made by the State with J. H. Underwood, for sinking an artesian well in the park, near the capitol, with wrought-iron tubing, eight inches exterior, and six inches inside ; to be sunk 500 feet. No water was obtained at that depth, and the work was continued to the depth of 1,026 feet, or more than 100 feet below the sea level, but without success. The work was thereupon closed up. Afterward, a shaft was sunk to the depth of the water standing in the well, being about sixty feet below the surface. At the bot- tom of this shaft was placed a steam pump; and the water was thus forced into the capitol. By this means, a large supply of water was obtained, which proved also to be mineral water.

An analysis shows that one gallon of it contains the following salts : Chloride of sodium, 0.671 grains ; sulphate of soda, 1.538 grains ; bi-carbonate of soda, 1.956 grains ; bi-carbonate of lime, 8.120 grains; bi-carbonate of magnesia, 6.937 grains; bi-carbonate of iron, 0.555 grams ; silica, 1.456 grains; total, 21.233 grains. This water is highly recommended for its medicinal properties. The cost of the well was $8,590.

The park, in its natural state, did not present a very attractive appearance. It was stud- ded here and there with oaks of a small size, and occasionally the view was interrupted by hazel- bushes and oak grubs. Gradually, however, it assumed a more inviting aspect. In 1842, a board fence was placed around the grounds, the cedar posts having been cut partly on the banks of the lakes and partly on the Wisconsin River. This, in the end, hecame an eye-sore to all good people, and was finally taken away, and in its place was put up the excellent iron fence which now surrounds the park ; it was finished in 1873, at a cost of $43,691. The stone pil- lars at the gateways are much admired. Outside the fence, but on the public grounds, there was afterward laid down an excellent pavement with suitable gutters, at the expense of the State. At different times, trees have been set out, until now the grounds are well shaded. The " crown- ing glory " of the park, however, is the iron fountain, erected in 1878, at a cost of $2,000. The park improvements, exclusive of the fence and well, cost $22,197.43.

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HISTORY OF DANE COUNTY.

DANE COUNTY BIBLE SOCIETY.

The Dane County Bible Society was organized as an auxiliary to the American Bible Society February 10, 1847. John Y. Smith was chosen President; Chester Bushnell, Vice President ; E. M. Williamson, Secretary ; Benjamin Holt, Treasurer ; and Rev. Charles Lord, Depositary. A constitution was framed, and visitors appointed for the towns of Fitchburg. Sun Prairie, Dane, Verona, Windsor, Cottage Grove, Albion and for the English settlement. On the 17th of February, 1848, Rev. Mr. Lord, agent of the American Bible Society, who was present, submitted a plan for supplying the county and keeping it supplied with the Scriptures. The county of Sank was embraced in the operations of the society, and an agent (Rev. Mr. Egbert- son) appointed to visit the two counties to solicit donations and circulate the Bible. Books were ordered from New York to about the value of $300, and ten ladies and gentlemen were appointed as local agents for the village of Madison. H. G. Bliss was appointed Assistant Treasurer and Depositary.

At the annual meeting, May 29, 1849, the same officers were re-elected, except J. T. Clark, Vice President, in place of C. Bushnell. In January, 1850, Rev. V. A. Bogue was engaged as agent, and an additional supply of Bibles ordered. At the annual meeting, June 13, 1850, the Treasurer reported books on hand, $54.35, and cash received from various sources, $148.68. The debt due the parent society was $131.78. In June, 1851, some twelve local agents were appointed to canvass the city. At the annual meeting, June 29, the Treasurer reported $356.34 as the cash received from all sources, the balance due the parent society $120.06. In 1852, visitors were appointed for the city. Mr. Carpenter, agent, reported he had received $90, col- lected in the county. In 1853, $200 was donated to the parent society. In 1854, Charles Hollis, County Agent ; Prof. O. M. Conover, elected President ; D. H. Wright, Secretary, and D. S. Durrie, Treasurer. In 1855, Charles Hollis was County Agent; engaged for three months. In 1857, George Bevan Smith was County Agent. In 1858, Rev. George W. Elliot was elected County Agent. In 1859, Rev. George H. Fox was elected County Agent, who labored sixteen weeks, visited twenty-two town societies, and received subscriptions amounting to $393.31. Rev. S. Fallows was City Agent. At the beginning of the year, the society was owing the American Bible Society $510.40. During the year, $223.22 were paid, leaving a balance of $287.18. Rev. George W. Elliot was State Agent. Officers elected were Prof. J. W. Sterling, President ; Rev. James Caldwell, Vice President ; D. H. Tullis, Secretary, and H. G. Bliss, Treasurer.

Annual meeting was held February 26, 1860, and the same officers were re-elected. The society this year dispensed with a County Agent, and the experiment was made of receiving remittances directly from the towns to the County Depository. The meeting was addressed by M. M. Jackson and Prof. James D. Butler. Officers were elected the same as previous year, except Prof. O. M. Conover, as Vice President, in place of Rev. James Caldwell.

Annual meeting was held June 9, 1861; M. D. Miller was elected President; K. J. Fleischer, Vice President ; D. H. Tullis, Secretary, and H. G. Bliss, Treasurer. Rev. A. H. Walter was appointed County Agent. In 1862, the same officers were re-elected. George M. Smith was appointed County Agent. In 1863, no meeting was held. In 1864, Rev. L. Salisbury acted as County Agent. In 1865, the annual meeting was held January 29 ; M. D. Miller, elected President; K. J. Fleischer, Vice President; James E. Moseley, Secretary ; Charles Hawkes, Treasurer. Two thousand Testaments were donated to the soldiers at Camp Randall. Rev. S. Reynolds was appointed County Agent from July, 1865. Net assets of the society were $385.04, after deducting $548.03 due the parent society.

In 1866, the annual meeting was held February 25. There was due the parent society $598.11. The net assets were $356.52. C. H. Purple was elected President ; J. H. Carpenter, Vice President ; James E. Moseley, Secretary ; Charles Hawkes, Treasurer.

In 1867, the annual meeting was held February 3. William Rucker was appointed County Agent. The officers were the same as the preceding year. Due the American Bible Society,

Sim Familied 1

MADISON.

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HISTORY OF DANE COUNTY.

$343.20. The net assets, $482.91. At this meeting a new constitution of the society was sub- mitted and adopted.

Annual meeting was held February 2, 1868, and same officers were re-elected. Mr. Rucker was appointed County Agent. The society was organized under the general laws of the State, 1868, as an incorporated society. The lodging-rooms of the several hotels in Madi- son, were supplied with Bibles, the American Bible Society paying one-half the expense; and a supply of books was granted to the Soldiers' Orphans' Home.

In 1869, the annual meeting was held February 7. Total assets of the society were $646.58; due parent society, $129.96. Officers elected were the same as the previous year, except D. S. Durrie was made Secretary, in place of J. E. Moseley.

In 1870, the annual meeting was held February 8, and the same officers were re-elected. Mr. Rucker was chosen County Agent; Rev. O. D. Teall, City Agent. A memorial was sent to New York for a cheap Danish Testament. The total assets of the society were $782.85. Due parent society, $229.60. Same officers were re-elected. Rev. Mr. Rucker was re-em- ployed as County Agent.

In 1871, the annual meeting was held February 5. A committee was appointed, who reported the following names, who were duly elected : President, J. H. Carpenter; Vice President, F. J. Lamb ; Secretary, D. S. Durrie; Treasurer, Charles Hawkes. The report of D. S. Durrie, Secretary, was then read, when Rev. Samuel Fallows addressed the meeting on the following resolution : " Resolved, That the history of the world shows that the Bible was the source of true civilization," which was listened to with marked interest.

At the annual meeting for 1872, all of the old officers were re-elected.

In 1873, the annual meeting was held at the Baptist Church, February 2. The officers of the last year were all re-elected. The meeting was opened with reading of Scriptures and prayer, by Rev. C. H. Richards. The secretary reported that the receipts for the past year had been less than the year preceding by $373.52 ; while the expenses had been less by $203.76.

The annual meeting of the society for 1874, was held on Sunday evening, February 1, at which time the following officers were re-elected : President, J. H. Carpenter ; Vice President, F. J. Lamb ; Secretary, D. S. Durrie ; Treasurer, Charles Hawkes. After the election of officers, the anniversary exercises were opened with appropriate services. A report was read by the Secre- tary, D. S. Durrie, and an address delivered by the Rev. H. Stone Richardson.

On February 7, 1875, the annual meeting was held, when the following persons were elected : President, J. H. Carpenter ; Vice-President, F. J. Lamb ; Secretary, A. J. Krum ; Treasurer, A. S. Frank; with an executive committee composed of members from the different churches.

The annual meeting of the society for 1876, was held February 6. The annual report of the Secretary was read and approved, when the following officers were elected : President, J. H. Carpenter ; Vice-President, F. J. Lamb ; Secretary, Hiram Johnson ; Treasurer and Depositary, A. S. Frank ; the Executive Committee remaining the same as the year previous.

The annual meeting for 1877 was held February 4. The old officers were all re-elected. The anniversary exercises were held immediately following the annual meeting, in the Baptist Church, with an address by the Rev. A. L. Chapín, D. D.

The annual meeting for 1878, met at the Congregational Church, at 7 o'clock, February 3. On motion of Rev. C. H. Richards, it was voted that the officers of the society remain the same as the previous year.

Pursuant to a previous notice, the annual meeting for 1879, was held at the Methodist Church, February 16. The Treasurer reported that $115.15 had been paid the American Bible Society; and that the society had on hand $114.94. The meeting then proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing year, which resulted in the re-election of the old officers. At the anniversary services held the same evening and place, the Rev. J. E. Wright delivered the annual address.

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HISTORY OF DANE COUNTY.

The year of 1880, February 1, the annual meeting was held at the Presbyterian Church. The officers were re-elected, and the Executive Committee remained as it was. At the anniver- sary meeting the Rev. M. Benson delivered the annual address. The Treasurer reported that $175 had been paid to the American Bible Society, with $61 cash on hand, and a total valuation of $249.20 in books. The society owes the American Bible Society $127.27 for books, leaving $129.93 worth of books paid for in the hands of the society.

POLITICAL DIVISIONS.

The political divisions of most counties in Wisconsin are the town, city and village.

The town government is intrusted to a Town Board of Supervisors, consisting of three members, elected annually at a town meeting. The other town officers are Town Clerk, Town Treasurer, one or more Assessors, four Justices of the Peace, Overseers of Highways, and Constables not more than three. The Justices of the Peace hold office for two years, two being elected at each annual town meeting. The other officers are elected annually at the town meeting. The form of city government depends upon the charter granted by the State Legislature. There are generally a Mayor, the chief executive officer ; a Common Council, consisting of one or more representatives from each ward in the city, and the city officers-a City Clerk, City Treasurer, City Attorney, Chief of Police, a Fire Marshal and City Surveyor.

A village is governed by a Village Board, consisting of a President and six Trustees, elected at the annual charter election. At such election, there are also chosen a Village Clerk, Treas- urer, Supervisor (to represent the village in the County Government), Marshal and Constable, and, when necessary, a Justice of the Peace and Police Justice, each of whom holds office for two years.

The County Government is in charge of a County Board of Supervisors, consisting of the Chairman of each Town Board, a Supervisor from each incorporated village, and one from each ward of every city in the county. The county officers are Clerk, Treasurer, Sheriff, Coroner, Clerk of Circuit Court, District Attorney, Register of Deeds, Surveyor, and Superintendent of Schools, all elected biennially.

Where a county has more than 15,000 inhabitants, the County Board of Supervisors may, if they choose, divide the county into two superintendent districts for school purposes.

The towns, city and villages of Dane County are as follows :

Towns-Albion, Berry, Black Earth, Blooming Grove, Blue Mounds, Bristol, Burke, Christiana, Cottage Grove, Cross Plains, Dane, Deerfield, Dunkirk, Dunn, Fitchburg, Madi- son, Mazomanie, Medina, Middleton, Montrose, Oregon, Perry, Pleasant Springs, Primrose, Roxbury, Rutland, Springdale, Springfield, Sun Prairie, Vermont, Verona, Vienna, Westport, Windsor and York. Total, 35.

City-Madison is the only city in Dane County.

Villages-Albion, Belleville, Black Earth, Cambridge, Christiana, Clifton, Clinton, Cross Plains, Dane, Deanville, De Forest, Foxville, McFarland, Marshall, Mazomanie, Middleton Station, Montrose, Morrison, Mount Vernon, Oregon, Paoli, Pheasant Branch, Stoughton, Sun Prairie, Waunakee, West Cambridge and Windsor. Total, 27.

Abandoned-City of the Four Lakes, City of the Second Lake, Dunkirk, Dunkirk Falls, Van Buren, Manchester, Beaumont, City of Superior, West Madison, Troy, Middletown, North Madison, East Madison and South Madison. Some of the plats of these places were never recorded.

UNITED STATES COURT HOUSE.

On the 27th of May, 1868, the corner-stone of the United States Court House and Post Office was laid with appropriate Masonic ceremonies by the officers of the Grand Lodge of Wis- consin. Addresses were made by Gov. Fairchild, President P. A. Chadbourne, of the Univer- sity, and others.

473

HISTORY OF DANE COUNTY.

This elegant edifice is located on the corner of Wisconsin avenue and Mifflin street, oppo- site the City Hall in the city of Madison. It was built by the General Government, without regard to expense, and by mechanics who were paid by the day, under the direction of A. B. Mullett, Supervising Architect of the Treasury Department, Washington, and S. V. Shipman, Superintending Architect. It is a four-story building above the basement ; the corners and facings are constructed of Joliet marble, but Madison stone is used for the inside walls. It is 113 feet in length, and 70 feet in width ; is built in modern style, and surmounted with a man- sard roof. The interior arrangements are complete in all respects. The first floor, occupied as the post office, is fitted up with all the modern improvements.

In the second story are the offices connected with the United States District Court, and those of the Assessor and Collector of Internal Revenue.

The third story is occupied as United States District Court room.

The building is placed upon the most permanent and enduring foundations, extending some thirty feet into the earth, and it is literally fire proof, being built of stone and iron, except a few interior casings, which are of black walnut. The structure is an ornament to the State and a credit to the General Government. It was completed in 1871.

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HISTORY OF DANE COUNTY.

CHAPTER VIII.

COUNTY COURT HOUSE AND JAIL-POOR HOUSE AND FARM-AGRICULTURE-DANE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY-HORTICULTURE AND MADISON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY-FLORA.

COUNTY COURT HOUSE AND JAIL.

The first Territorial District Court for Dane County was held in the American Hotel. The courts afterward had their sittings in the capitol until the court house was erected.

In January, 1849, the County Board resolved that there be raised $5,000 "on the assessment of that year, to be appropriated exclusively for the payment of the erection of a court house. The purchase of lots on which to erect the building was afterward authorized to be made. A building committee was appointed to receive proposals in March following, for the work. H. C. Parker was the successful bidder for the carpenter-work, at $5,300; and E. L. Varney for the stone and mason work at $6,860. On the 14th of March, the board authorized the building committee, in case of a failure to effect a loan for the purpose of building a court house and purchasing a site for the same, to issue county orders not exceeding $6,000 in amount, bearing interest not exceeding 10 per cent. The specifications for mason-work, signed by E. L. Varney, and of carpenter-work, signed by H. C. Barker, were received, and recorded in the book of records of the board on the 27th of March. The mason-work was to be finished by the 20th of October, 1850; the carpenter-work by the 15th. of March, 1851, according to contracts signed by these parties. The structure was completed in that year. It is situated on Lot 2, Block 68, on Main street, near the corner of Fairchild street. This lot, with Lot 3, same block, was purchased April 6, 1849. The court house has rooms in the first story, now occu- pied by the County Judge, Sheriff, Treasurer and Clerk of Dane County. In the second story, occupying its entire space, is the court-room, where the Circuit Court for the county has its sittings. The walls of the building are of stone; and, at the date of its erection, the house was considered a creditable structure for the county; but it has outlived its usefulness, and will soon give place, doubtless, to one much larger and more architectural in appearance.

A small stone building, nearly in the rear of the court house, was erected after the comple- tion of the last-mentioned structure, on Lot 3, Block 68, and is occupied by the Register of Deeds and the Clerk of the Circuit Court.

In 1839, the County Commissioners " Ordered, That the Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners be authorized to receive proposals for the erection of a County Jail, in the town of Madison, until the first Monday in August, next, at 10 o'clock A. M., at which time such proposals will be opened and read publicly by the Commissioners. Said jail to be 24 feet long by 18 feet wide, to be divided into two equal apartments or rooms, one story high, to be con- structed of square timber, the walls to be eight inches in thickness, and that notice of this order be published in the Wisconsin Enquirer, up to the said first Monday in August.

" Ordered, That Simeon Mills, Esq., be authorized to make a loan of $1,000, to defray the expenses of building the jail, in such manner as he shall think fit."

Bids were received for building and completing a jail in Madison according to proposals published as follows : Peter W. Matts, for $1,775; George Vroman, $1,525.25; Jairus S. Pot- ter, 1,139; Nelson Hart & Co., $1,575; Isaac Atwood, $1,600; Abel Rasdall, $2,000; David Hyer, $1,745; Thomas Jackson, $1,447; N. T. Parkinson, $1,348.

Upon examination, it appeared that Jairus S. Potter was entitled to the contract, he having offered the lowest bid, but, he failing to offer sufficient bonds, it was ordered that the con- tract be let to the next lowest bidder, whereupon, N. T. Parkinson, having offered the

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HISTORY OF DANE COUNTY.

next lowest bid, appeared, and entered into contract with the Commissioners. The build- ing was constructed of hewed logs, having two rooms, one of which was reached by passing through the first, and the inner room had some of the ancient appliances for securing criminals. It was located on Butler street, in Lot 10, Block 113. The timbers were doweled together with iron pins, and lined inside with two-inch planks spiked with iron spikes every four inches. It was strong and safe, considering the manner of its construction. James R. Vineyard, who shot Arndt in the early part of 1842, was the first prisoner confined in this jail, nearly three years after its erection. It had previously served as a convenient storehouse for the Sheriff. The building continued until the present one was finished.

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History of Dane County, Wisconsin, Part 70

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899; Western Historical Co., Chicago, pub Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Chicago : Western Historical Company Number of Pages: 1304

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899; Western Historical Co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago : Western Historical Company
Number of Pages: 1304